Italian Lakes: Hike, Bike & Kayak

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Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake District and the staggering peaks of Switzerland’s St. Moritz area

Stroll the forested paths around Lakes Como and Garda, unwind through the Dolomite highlands and just keep whetting and sating that appetite with classic Italian delicacies. Ferry to and fro between lake villages and villas that keep getting prettier, and clamber about the crumbling ruins of medieval castles. Idyllic in setting, laid-back in lifestyle, and a gastronomist’s delight, this jaunt through one of Europe’s most charming nooks shouldn’t disappoint. And if it does, take the issue up with one of the local residents – like Sting or George Clooney.

Why you'll love this trip

Ride the rails through St Moritz’s staggering mountain scenery on the Bernina Express. The region is home to alpine forests, fast-flowing rivers and Eastern Switzerland’s highest summit, the Piz Bernina

Spend a day exploring the beautiful villages, estates and gardens dotted around Lake Como, criss-crossing the lake by ferry. Taking a turn about the grounds of Bellagio's grand Villa Melzi can make you feel just a bit fancy, then see the shore from the vantage point of your kayak

It may be eaten all over the world, but Italy really knows how to do pasta. Indulge in ambrosial Italian fare in Tirano, famous for pizzoccheri, a type of tagliatelle cooked with potatoes, cabbage and cheese

Explore Lake Garda's shore in the saddle of your bike and discover remains of WWI

Is this trip right for you?

Summer temperatures around the Lakes can be very high (up to 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details.

This multi-activity trip requires a decent level of fitness, as you will be doing some kayaking, cycling and a fair amount of walking. Some of the treks involve steep hills and steps that you'll need to be able to climb, although sometimes there are easier, alternative routes you can take. Daily walking times vary between three and six hours, but the rewards are worth every step.

Gallery

Itinerary

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. After tonight's group meeting the evening is free, so why not take a wander around this historic town and enjoy a drink in the main square or along the lake shore, before going for dinner at one of the nearby traditional restaurants with your new travel companions.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting today at 6pm, where you'll meet your fellow travellers and group leader. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Lake Como (Lago di Como) is an area of stunning beauty full of unique and evocative landscapes. Discover the central part of Lake Como by boat. We go ashore in Bellagio, the 'pearl of the lake', situated on the Punta Spartivento, where the two arms of Lake Como meet. Embark on a scenic hike through the delightful countryside, past the charming fishing village of Pescallo and several scenic hamlets. Back down at the lake discover the grand estate of the Villa Melzi, which is set into gardens filled with rare and exotic plant life. Next is a kayaking adventure which brings you all around the headland of Bellagio. Back in Como take a stroll through the medieval town centre, before enjoying a drink in the main square or along the lake shore.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Kayaking on Lake Como

Villa Melzi

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Today is a free day for you to explore the area. There are many options to spend a day in Como: Explore Villa Olmo or Villa D’Este. Travelling by boat to other lakeside villages in this southern part of the lake is also a worthwhile experience. Cernobbio is surrounded by beautiful villas and has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere. For the hikers there are several nice walks in the near surroundings such as the trail network in the state park of Spina Verde. Another possibility is to travel into Switzerland and hike Monte Generoso. This is an amazing walk which includes a train ride on Europe's oldest tourist train. Views stretch from Lake Lugano to Lake Como.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Mt Generoso Mountain Hike - EUR30

Villa Olmo Como - Free

Spina Verde State Park - from - EUR10

Lunch at Villa D'Este Cernobbio - from - EUR10

Meals Included

After an early breakfast, head out for a day in the majestic mountains – partly in Italy and partly in Switzerland. Drive to the northern edge of Lake Como for some shopping and kick back with a chinotto in Chiavenna (approximately 50 minutes). Upon entering Switzerland, travel along a scenic road to the St Moritz area, making a stop at Passo Maloja along the way (approximately 1 hour). Take a spectacular excursion to the Morteratsch Glacier, where you can choose to enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the incredible view. You will return to Italy on the Bernina Express, a small local train operating directly from Morteratsch. The train will take you past mountain peaks and glacier lakes before descending steeply into the valley. This train journey is one of the most spectacular in the world and definitely a highlight of the trip (approximately 2 hours). Arrive back into the Italian town of Tirano (Tiran), where you'll spend the night.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Morteratsch Glacier Excursion

Bernina Express Scenic Train Ride

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

After breakfast, drive to Lake Garda (approximately 4.5 hours). This route takes you along some of Italy’s famous mountain chains, including the Dolomites. En route there is the option for a stunning walk through archetypical mountain scenery. Upon arrival there will be some time to explore the pretty town of Riva del Garda, a town which appears almost more Austrian than Italian. There is some time for discovery, a drink and perhaps some shopping before continuing to our hotel. Your base is at the most northern point of the lake. When you arrive you’ll discover the varied landscapes around Lake Garda.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Take a boat from the northern and more alpine side of the lake to the southern side (which has a more Mediterranean feel), passing many photogenic villages en route. Go ashore in the town of Garda itself, nicknamed the ‘Pearl of Lake Garda’. It is dominated by its ‘rocca’ (rock), complete with an abbey and the remains of a medieval castle. You will take a walking tour through the village before climbing up towards the abbey, where, after a steep climb you will be rewarded with beautiful views over the lake. You may wish to spend some time here on the lake, have a drink or relax in the park.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Lake Garda Boat Tour

Rocca Abbey Hike

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

This morning embark on a bike ride along the shores of Lake Garda, taking in the glorious scenery of the glistening lake in front of you and the towering Alps behind you. Depending on weather, fitness and interest of the group several rides are possible. The ride to Riva del Garda is mostly flat, but there are several other options to choose from. Explore several remains of WWI in a place which until 100 years ago was the border between Austria and Italy. In the afternoon there are several options for short walks: Opt for spectacular Monte Brione, a natural balcony on Lake Garda, or walk the beautiful scenic trail of the Busatte towards Malcesine. The more energetic hikers can opt to explore Monte Baldo, the highest mountain of Lake Garda, or choose to reach it by cable car.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Lake Garda Bike Ride

Optional Activities

Monte Baldo Cable Car - EUR22

Monte Brione Hike - Free

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Today's bike ride takes place on the cycle path from Torbole towards Lago di Cavèdine. The distance today depends on the group's abilities, but is approximately 20km. The path is almost flat with just 150m difference in altitude. Please note that helmets are provided on today's bike riding activity.

After breakfast this morning your Italian Lakes adventure comes to an end. From nearby Verona it's easy to travel by rail to other major destinations in Italy. If you'd like to stay in the Italian Lakes region, additional accommodation can also be booked on Lake Garda. Please enquire when booking your trip.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

For train schedules check the national rail site trenitalia.com

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Private Minibus,
Train,
Boat,
On foot,
Kayak,
Bicycle

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

Kayaking on Lake Como

Villa Melzi

Morteratsch Glacier Excursion

Bernina Express Scenic Train Ride

Lake Garda Boat Tour

Rocca Abbey Hike

Lake Garda Bike Ride

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Private Minibus,
Train,
Boat,
On foot,
Kayak,
Bicycle

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

Kayaking on Lake Como

Villa Melzi

Morteratsch Glacier Excursion

Bernina Express Scenic Train Ride

Lake Garda Boat Tour

Rocca Abbey Hike

Lake Garda Bike Ride

Dates & availability

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Important notes

LEVEL OF FITNESS
This multi-activity trip requires a decent level of fitness, as you will be doing some kayaking, cycling and a fair amount of walking. Some of the treks involve steep hills and steps that you'll need to be able to climb, although sometimes there are easier, alternative routes you can take. Daily walking times vary between three and six hours, but the rewards are worth every step.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.